Panasonic unveils Advanced Automotive and Industrial Solutions for India

In an exclusive interview, Narayan Kumar, Divisional Director of the Industrial Devices Division (INDD), Panasonic Life Solutions India sheds light on the company’s latest innovations catering to India’s rapidly evolving automotive and industrial ecosystems. Panasonic has introduced new solutions, such as advanced cooling systems for two-wheelers and ultrasonic gas measurement units for industrial use, all designed with efficiency, sustainability, and performance in mind. The discussion also covers Panasonic’s long-term vision for B2B growth, strategic partnerships, and the company’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions through eco-friendly technologies.

DQ: With the launch of these new solutions. How are these going to meet the needs of the automotive industry and industrial ecosystem?

Pankaj: At Panasonic, we focus heavily on devices through our Industrial Devices Division (INDD). We manufacture electronic materials, components, and electromechanical devices. Today, we’ve launched a suite of products catering specifically to the automotive sector, as well as to the industrial ecosystem.

For the automotive space, we have three key products. First, we’ve introduced a flat motor for engine cooling in high-capacity motorcycles. This motor is compact, lightweight, and highly durable. It’s also suitable for scooters and cycles. Another critical product is our 6-in-1 sensor, which enhances vehicle safety by providing stability and control. We’ve also launched a cooling fan for heat dissipation in various applications, such as ADAS systems and LED headlights.

On the industrial side, we’ve introduced a smart gas meter product, which uses ultrasonic sensors for precise measurement. This technology provides more accurate gas flow data, a necessity as we move towards smarter, more connected industrial environments.

Across the board, we’re focused on performance improvements—making components lighter and more efficient—while ensuring they take up less space in vehicles or industrial settings. This applies to every product category we’re working on.

DQ: What was the vision behind launching these products, and what challenges have you encountered during production?

Pankaj: India has a large two-wheeler population, and our aim was to develop products tailored to the growing needs of this market. Our products are designed to align with the increasing demand for high-performance components from OEMs. Given that India’s automotive market is expanding rapidly, we believe these products are well-suited for this context.

In terms of production challenges, I’m not directly involved in the manufacturing process, so I can’t speak to the specifics. However, from a market positioning perspective, these products are essential for supporting the Indian automotive sector’s growth.

DQ: Sustainability and carbon emissions are hot topics in the automotive industry. Have these considerations influenced your product designs?

Pankaj:  Sustainability is one of Panasonic’s core principles. Across all our product categories, including these new launches, we follow a policy of reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency. For instance, in our factories, we are transitioning towards more sustainable practices to make our production processes more efficient and eco-friendly. It’s not just limited to these new products—it’s an ongoing commitment to reduce our carbon footprint across all divisions.

DQ: What is Panasonic’s long-term vision for these products? How do you foresee their role in the industry’s future?

Pankaj: Panasonic is a large global conglomerate, and while we have a strong presence in B2C, our focus here at this exhibition is entirely on B2B products. We’re committed to expanding our presence in the automotive, industrial, and telecom markets. With India’s growing focus on local manufacturing and government initiatives like the PLI scheme, we believe it’s the perfect time to focus on B2B products. We’re confident that our solutions will meet the growing needs of OEMs and manufacturers, both in India and globally.

DQ: Have you formed any strategic partnerships to support these product launches?

Pankaj:  Yes, partnerships are an essential part of our strategy. We have long-standing distribution partners who assist with technical evaluations, proof-of-concept, and product promotion. In addition to this, we’re forming strategic partnerships with key customers across different industries. These partnerships help us align with customers' long-term visions, focusing on reliable, high-quality products.

DQ: Could you give more details about the specific products you’ve launched today?

Pankaj: For the automotive sector, we’ve launched a Cooling Fan Motor for two-wheelers, designed to operate in submerged conditions like water-logged streets. It’s a flat, coreless motor that is lightweight and highly heat-resistant, providing OEMs with effective engine cooling and extended product lifespans.

We’ve also launched the 6-in-1 sensor for automotive safety, which measures vehicle acceleration and angular rate across multiple axes. This sensor is ISO26262 compliant and supports applications like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS).

In the industrial sector, we’ve introduced the Ultrasonic Gas-Flow Measurement Unit, designed for smart gas meters. This unit is compact, accurate, and compatible with multiple gases, making it ideal for industrial gas measurement applications.

Finally, we’ve introduced MEGTRON-8, a Multi-Layer Circuit Board Material with ultra-low transmission loss, which is crucial for high-speed communication equipment like routers and AI servers.